IF media reports are to be believed — though few things are certain when it comes to this particular subject — Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is on the verge of beginning his parliamentary career by contesting a by-election in one of the PPP’s constituencies in rural Sindh.

To the extent that Mr Bhutto Zardari’s entry into politics will re-energise a party that has suffered several massive electoral defeats outside Sindh, the move will add to the vibrancy and diversity of national politics. However, entering politics is one thing, nominating the young PPP scion as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly may be a step too far.

While the peculiarities of political legitimacy and heritage will surely ensure that one day Mr Bhutto Zardari will be the leader of the PPP, he has neither the experience nor, apparently, the temperament yet to handle the job of leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.

Leader of the opposition is not just a ceremonial title — there are constitutionally mandated consultations that the holder of that office must hold with the prime minister when making certain appointments and selecting a caretaker administration. Moreover, leader of the opposition must also consult with and provide space to other political parties in opposition when it comes to debates inside the house and management of various National Assembly committees.

Surely, whatever his talents and whatever his parentage, Mr Bhutto Zardari should consider a slower, more modest rise to the top of the parliamentary hierarchy, learning from more experienced hands in the PPP such as Khursheed Shah, who has a wealth of experience in parliamentary procedure and customs.

There is another reason why the PPP should rethink handing its parliamentary crown to Mr Bhutto Zardari at this time. Presumably, the PPP leadership is hoping that the young leader’s presence in the National Assembly will give the party more favourable coverage and send a public signal that the PPP of the last two parliaments, dogged as it has been by allegations of corruption and incompetence, is transitioning towards a younger, more capable leadership.

But Mr Bhutto Zardari would also be a lightning rod — the subject of mockery and withering criticism by other parties keen to demonstrate that the PPP is really a party of entitlement and rooted in the past. So, not only would the immediate ascension of the young Bhutto Zardari be unwise from a parliamentary point of view, it would possibly end up harming the PPP’s image outside its base in rural Sindh instead of rehabilitating it.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015

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